My Secret Love Affair : Jewellery

Some of you may already know my dirty little secrets. Some may not. One of them involves 3 draws and other storage spots full of jewellery. The vast majority is cheap & cheerful, with a few more special bits; I always go for sterling silver when I want something special. I’ve loved jewellery since I was little, and I find with chronic illness it’s a small something that can still put a smile on my face. I was thrilled when House of Silver offered to send me an item of my choosing to share with you lovely lot, so let’s get to it!

About House Of Silver

House Of Silver is a family-run business that operates out of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. They’ve got over 20 years of experience in bringing customers the best quality jewellery with designs that show their attention to detail and love for what they do. Thanks to being a small company, they have oodles of dedication and passion for their business and their customers, going above and beyond to make sure their customers are happy. And I’m certainly a happy customer as proof that their efforts are successful!

You can browse their website to shop with them, and you can also find them on social media. Check out the House of Silver blog where they’re currently running a giveaway for a pair of their infinity design earrings.

House Of Silver have also added a specially created range of jewellery for their Autism Awareness collection, which I think is such a fantastic initiative. You can check it out here.

The Range

They have a varied collection of designs, from classic to contemporary, across a range of jewellery types, including :

House Of Silver prioritise quality while keeping costs very reasonable, which is a big tick in my book. When I think of sterling silver I usually wince because I think it’s going to be stupidly expensive, and a lot of the time it is. Thankfully, looking through the whole House Of Silver collection highlights that they offer really good value for money. I wouldn’t be reviewing this and promoting the brand if I weren’t happy about their prices.

Simply Silver

Sterling silver not only looks stunning, but it’s durable and wears well, so I see it as a good investment.

It’s also a good option for many with sensitive skin and allergies to certain metals and products, which you’ll often mind in mixed metal and plated jewellery. For this reason, I only ever buy sterling silver for my mother, and I tend to prefer it for gifting to others, too.

The jewellery at House Of Silver is genuine 925 sterling silver. It’s solid and it’s top quality, so there’s no fear of green necks and earlobes! The jewellery is made to last, so a little maintenance is all that’s required; I tend to use a silver cleaning cloth and sometimes liquid cleaner, depending on the item.

My Experience

Ordering, customer service & delivery

I was able to choose what I wanted for this post, and I took my time browsing. I’m hugely indecisive so this took me a while as there are so many beautiful pieces that I love on their site.

The product pages gave me enough information to make my decision, and I was glad to see the dimensions clearly noted as you can never really gauge the of earrings from online photos too well.

These were sent out super quickly in the post and I received them well packed; they came in a small cardboard box to keep them safe and make them look more presentable.

I’ve found the team at House Of Silver to be incredibly friendly, responsive and helpful, so you’re supported with any queries or issues you may have. I have trust in them, which counts for a lot when you’re buying online.

Design

I decided on the ‘bamboo earrings’, a pair of silver drop earrings with a circular disk featuring a cut-out leaf design, finished with a simple green crystal on the drop-down chain to add a touch of colour.

I love the simple design because while it’s easy-going, it’s still distinctive, gently feminine and memorable. Unlike jewellery with gems and stuck-on detailing that can fall off, I anticipate these wearing incredibly well. They look delicate and aren’t heavy, and yet they feel robust, being well made with solid sterling silver.

These are fishhook earrings, so they sit comfortably with a long stem at the back to keep them in place; they don’t come with, or need, butterfly backs, however you can put your own on should you wish for extra peace of mind.

The total length is 3.6cm, with a diameter of 2.37cm. There’s enough dangle room to make a small statement without them getting in the way or being too heavy. The round disc of each earring faces forward, and can sway and turn gently when you’re wearing them, showing off the sparkling silver as it catches the light.

Quality

The earrings themselves are… Beautiful!

The silver is smooth and shiny, making it twinkle in the light. Some silver can look dulled, but this is highly polished. They are also a reasonable weight and not too heavy, making them comfortable to wear. These get the balance just right with being light enough but also sturdy and solid. They feel like quality earrings just holding them in your hand, where you can tell by inspecting them that everything looks like just right: the drop lengths are identical, the designs are perfectly etched and the cut-outs are precise, and there’s literally no fault or point of improvement I can find whatsoever.

Overall …

A dedicated business that loves what they do and it shows in their customer service and products. The designs are beautiful and each piece is crafted with care, so it’s reassuring to know you’ll get the best quality and at a reasonable price. Looking for a gift for yourself or someone else? From my personal positive experience, I’ll definitely be giving these guys a thumbs up recommendation.

Oh, I love jewellry too!! I am a ring person…I have tons of cheap rings that look real and I love wearing them, but only on the middle finger of my right hand. I also love necklaces, but don’t wear them as often as I should. I have to force myself to bypass sales!!!

Oh yes, I love rings too! Is having them only on the middle finger of your right hand personal choice, or because it’s more comfortable? I tend to go for the same finger, sometimes my index finger as a lot of rings are too big for me and fall off – I think I need some of those ring snuggies. You have the same jewellery weakness I have by the sound of it, Pamela, it takes a lot of willpower to walk past sales! 😉
Thanks so much for your great comment ♥ I hope this week has been treating you well.xx

You may only wear your wedding band, but that’s one piece of jewellery with a lot of meaning in it, and you can still look at pretty jewellery without wearing it 😉 I love window shopping for pretty things, takes my mind off other stressful stuff for a while. Thanks for the comment – I hope you have a good rest of your week 🙂
xx

I’m so glad you liked my review – thanks, Terri! I’m not sure I’d make a very good earring model but I wanted to show what they look like on as it can be hard to get a feel for jewellery online when you don’t see it ‘in the flesh’. I hope you’re doing as well as possible, and your pop & pup, too ♥
xx

Pretty jewelry, Caz! 🙂
I like jewelry, but it can be so hard to wear. Snagging things. Making people want to steal it from you, even if they have to hurt you or take your life for it. I know I sound cynical, but I actually like jewelry if it can take the same wear and tear I have to, and has meaning… like from someone or something meaningful to me.
I am glad you shared your pictures! 🙂

I’m glad you like the jewellery, and I like meaningful pieces, too. There can be limitations to wearing jewellery – quality, simple so it doesn’t snag/break/lose gems, and not hugely expensive both for the sake of our finances and so as not to be an attraction for thieves are all important, part of why these earrings & the rest of the range get a thumbs up from me. Thanks for the great comment, Gail! I hope you’re keeping as well as possible and that you have a lovely rest of your week ♥
xx

Caz
Some of the photos are not coming thru. Hope you are healthy as possible and happy. I love to make jewlery but it’s been a few years. I was thinking about my beads the other day. I plan to learn to crochet and eventually learn how to put beads in the project. It passes the time if my hands are working.

Oh no, that’s a shame some photos aren’t loading. Are you having issues with any other sites/blogs? I think that combining crochet with beading is a great idea, and it’s something you can learn and work on whenever you have a little time, energy and ability with your hands without any pressure =]
xx

Oooooh, these are beautiful Caz! They look even more beautiful on you with that awesome hair you’re rocking 😀

I must admit – jewelry was a major weakness of mine too for a long time, specifically finding unreal deals on something I loved. I understand where you’re coming from. Jewelry is one of those things where you can really express yourself, uniquely and individually without being concerned you’ll see it everywhere else too. It’s just a lot of fun. ♥

I’d say you’ve done House of Silver proud with your review and these photos. Absolutely perfect!

Glad you like the earrings & the hair, thank you! Aha, so you’re the jewellery equivalent of the Cookie Monster too, Holly! 😉
I’m really happy you thought the review was good, that means a lot! Thanks lovely ♥
xx

It can make an experience that bit better with good customer service, can’t it? Glad you like the earrings, and thank you very much for your kind comment about the hair too (not quite the colour I’d anticipated but I’m glad for the change). Hope you have a lovely rest of your week & I hope your recovery is going well, Masha ♥

I want first to shed some light on your hair colour! It looks stunning!! 💕🙈 well, i can’t love a man the same degree as i love rings 🙈 i used to wear just cheap ones but decided to invest in sterling silver so as to have a collection since those cheap ones wear out quickly so they aren’t serving the purpose! ☇ thank you for sharing Caz 🙈💕

Aww, thank you very much! With the hair colour, it’d been 2 yrs since I dyed it and it desperately needed doing, I just hadn’t felt up to it. I’m glad for the refresh! You’re right about cheap jewellery not lasting, so it’s not a good investment; quality sterling silver is better for your skin & as long as it’s reasonably priced (part of the reason I like House of Silver so much) it can be far better in the long-term, too. Thanks for the lovely comment, Elber, it’s much appreciated! 🙂
xx

Do I love jewelry? Yes. What kind? Yes!!! I love it all… real, fake, silver, gold… I’m a lover not a fighter! What a great review! Nice. House of Silver. I just bought a bunch on PoshMark… but a girl can never have enough jewelry! Love the earrings you picked! I’ll definitely check them out.😊

I love jewellery too. I have so many pairs of earrings.
I have every sensitive skin so must use either sterling silver or gold which is why when I make my own earrings I always have a sterling silver option.

I know you’re a big jewellery fan too so I hope you enjoyed this. Sterling silver is usually a great choice for those, like you, with sensitivities. I see your jewellery as being mostly silver, would you say that’s your preference between the two (silver/gold)? xx

Oh wow, that’s amazing! Do you ever think of going back to making jewellery, just a little on the side when you have time/energy? I think it’d be fascinating to give it a go but I’m not sure I’d be any good at it – I’d love to design it though! xx

I hardly ever wear jewellery now, but when I was younger, I had so many pairs of earrings. A different pair every day, and all sorts of weird and wonderful designs. Ranged from simple designs to animals, birds, flowers and sweets….Bet Lynch didn’t have a look in. (You’re probably too young to know who Bet Lynch is!) I also made jewellery. Loved designing my own.
I love your choice of earrings by House of Silver. I’d have chosen them too.

You used to have a whole ‘menagerie’ of earring designs then! I know Bet Lynch, wasn’t she then in Coronation Street or a similar soap? I hadn’t realised you used to design & make jewellery, I’d love to give that a go; would you want to try picking it up again, just a little when you can manage it? Glad you like these particular earrings, I think they’re simple yet distinctive 🙂
Thanks for the great comment! xx

Yes, Coronation Street. I’ve had so many hobbies over the years and find it hard to get rid of stuff, so I still have bits and pieces from my jewellery making days. When one of my nieces was younger, I used to spend time with her making jewellery so she could take home to her Mum. I’ll need to make a post some time about all my old hobbies!

Yes, Caz, I wear earrings always, but, not much else, jewellery wise! I do love clothes with a bit of bling attached, like some beading around the neckline or a belt with a bit of wow appeal. And I do enjoy shoes that are a statement piece, lace sleeves on feminine tops, that sort of thing. I guess I could be called a girlie girl…
As for the spelling – we here in Oz follow the English spelling. Just a chip off the old block; as they say!!! 🙂
xoxoxo

I don’t think I’ve worn anything with a bit of wow appeal for a long time – maybe I need some fashion tips from you, Carolyn! I think I stopped bothering too much with what I wear when I stopped going out very much, and being at home I prioritise comfort. Plus, when I go out because I’m always so cold I’m just bundled up in layers of jumpers so I could wear a space suit underneath and nobody would know 😉
xx

So do I – a lot of the time I keep clothes quite simple so jewellery and especially earrings are a good way to add a little flair and interest. They are great quality, which is very reassuring when buying something silver. Thanks for the comment, Christy! 🙂
xx

Aw thank you! The jewellery really is beautiful & although the hair colour isn’t quite what I’d expected it’s very refreshing to have a change as it’s been ages since I last dyed it. Hope you’re having a good week so far, Kate 🙂
xx

Aww, the little owl sounds like a good addition to your collection 🙂
I’d not come across the brand/site until recently either so I’m happy to be able to share as I really love their stuff! Thanks for the comment ♥
xx

I am definitely not a jewellery person as my spouse has figured out. Forget to wear it and when I do I inevitably break it. I like it just can’t seem to remember to put any on. And when I do I have the nervous habit of playing with it.

Anyway I have nominated you for the Disability Award… see my blog for details.

I’m sorry this wasn’t quite the post for you, Nikki, but I do the nervous habit thing of playing with it, too. Thank you for the comment & also for the very kind nomination! I’m a bit behind on blogs but I’ll check it out asap – thanks! Hope you have a good rest of your week ♥
xx

Things are going well on the jewellery front, but not so much with anything else. Things will pick back up a little more again soon I’m sure. How are you doing? It’s lovely to see you on here again, I’ve missed you! Will you be back to posting on your blog?xx

Caz, I don’t know why, but I don’t get notifications of your replies, so I actually have to check for them manually like in the olden days when times were tough. I guess WordPress just secretly has it out for me. Oh, well… 😃

Hmmm that’s odd. I installed a plug-in thingybobby so when you comment now you can tick the box to receive notification of replies to your comment. If you see that when you next comment, tick it. If you don’t see it, then yes, WordPress has it in for you 😂

I love jewelry, too! This store looks great! I’m glad you mentioned metal allergies. I can only wear sterling silver and gold because everything else turns my skin into a nightmare. lol The earrings are gorgeous! xo

Another jewellery lover, hurrah! I’m sorry you have issues with certain alloys & such, too. Proper sterling silver is usually quite a safe choice, so it’s good to find brands you trust as some do plated or mixed silver which can also be a nightmare! Glad you like the earrings too. Thanks for the comment, Kymber! I hope you’re having a lovely weekend 🙂
xx

Hi Caz,
Have I told you lately how much I love the layout, really everything about your site! You must self-host and design yourself. I really like the cool handwritten font.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Melinda

Aww thank you lovely! I can never quite get things the way I want them with my blog, so I’ve never been entirely happy with it. I do want it clear & accessible enough for people to read and browse though so I’m thrilled you like the layout. You’re right, it’s self-hosted and I bought the theme, so from the barebones & adjust everything else 🙂
Hope you have a lovely rest of the week ahead xx

Thanks very much, glad you liked it! I really enjoyed writing it actually & I’m glad to branch out a bit on here to cover other things and not just illness per se. Hope you’re having a good week so far 🙂
xx

Charlee: “Oooh, I think we like jewellery too!”
Chaplin: “Especially the dangly kind that we could bat around!”
Charlee: “Not that we would bat at anyone’s dangly earrings or anything.”
Chaplin: “Well maybe we would.”
Charlee: “Well maybe. But we would try not to do it while they were actually being worn!”

The earrings are very lovely. I love sterling silver too although it’s getting harder to find these days. I used to find great deals at thrift stores but not any more as silver prices have risen. The design of the earrings yo are wearing are beautiful

Glad you like the earrings too, they really are very pretty. Sterling silver can be very pricey in some places, you’re right. There’s more in terms of silver plated and mixed metals, which are often quite poor in quality and don’t last long, or cause irritation or green marks. That’s why I was thrilled to find House of Silver as it’s proper 925 sterling but it’s very reasonably priced (I’m such a penny pincher so this is always a key thing for me). Do you have any favourite jewellery pieces? Would love to see them on your blog sometime, I’m so nosy! 😉
xx

Well, I accessorize 😉 Wink wink nudge nudge. I don’t think I’m overly ‘feminine’ otherwise in terms of dress, I tend to be bundled up in layers as I’m always cold and I go for comfort over appearance, but jewellery does make me feel a bit better in myself, I’m always wearing something. It’s the little things that can make you feel good & make you smile sometimes! x

Oooh, I love these! I always struggle to find jewellery that’s 100% proper silver as anything else irritates my skin hugely, so this is a great find! I’ll be having a look myself now haha!
P.s. LOVE the bamboo design x

I’m glad you like them, they’re gorgeous earrings! I’ve tried other things from their range now & love it all – as you say, it can be hard finding good quality silver, especially if you’re buying online, so I’m very happy to be able to review and recommend them 🙂